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10 Top Tips3Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide Getting Started 10 Top Tips

If you want to be a better triathlete than you are today, then it’s time to call yourself a performance athlete. Start to make the right mental affirmations to commit to the training you need to do to develop.

1. Performance Athlete

Your body likes to work hard. Give it a routine and it will adapt and start to become fitter. Get used to being an athlete in training and being organised with sleep, food, training schedule, stretching and exercises. Plan each day and think ahead to fit it all in!

2. Have A Routine

You have a plan now, but don’t just be a slave to it. Your body is an amazing machine, if you feel tired and sore consider training at a light intensity for that day – stretching, eating well or getting some massage. Rest allows your body to heal and recover.

6. Adapt To Succeed

Training plans contain weeks of training. Set some targets that are realistic within this journey to race day. Targets will motivate you and help you check your progress. There are loads of running races, galas and cycling sportives you can use to break up your training to set intermediate goals.

7. Set Targets

Including the exercises in this guide will add variety to your training and help you remain injury free and develop more strength endurance.

8. Find Your Strength

Your body needs rest and fuel in order to train and improve. Clever athletes sleep well and have a diet rich in protein & micro nutrients supported by high quality carbohydrate. Snacking and eating between meals and sessions helps to fuel training correctly and promote active recovery.

9. Fuel And Recover

Endurance sport can be very sociable. You will find it easier to keep the consistency of your training if you can link up with others prepared to train with you.

10. Keep It SocialTriathlon can sometimes put a real strain on the body as you try to develop your fitness across 3 disciplines. Remember recovery is critical and be prepared to cut back if you need to keep energised and enjoy the training.

5. Monitor Your Energy

Biking and running on open roads and swimming in open water requires respect. Look at the technique and tips in this guide but always seek the advice of a professional before training on your own.

3. Safety First

We’ve included some basic tips on swim, bike and run technique in this guide. Focusing on technique for each discipline is key for success and spend time as the race gets closer practicing your transitions.

4. Technique Focussed

Training TriangleKeeping It All In Balance

Performance training and developing your fi tness can seem complicated at times with lots of information and confl icting advice. In truth it can be kept pretty simple. The key is the training triangle you see to the right.

Most of us think about the training sessions we need to do to become stronger, fi tter or faster. In reality you won’t make gains until the other two sides of the triangle, rest and nutrition are considered. As you increase your training, keep the triangle in balance by improving your nutrition – listen to your body and respect its need to rest in order to improve. In the next few pages we cover each of these areas in turn. r

T

nTrainingYou training and conditioning is designed to progressively overload your muscles. When they recover from that overload they will get stronger. Our training plans include a mix of different effort levels to progressively build endurance.

RestYour body improves and progresses during rest phases, rest days and as you sleep. We provide our top tips in the second part of this guide.

NutritionFuel your training and recovery correctly ensuring you have the right macro and micro nutrients to both have the energy to train hard but also to allow your body to heal and to keep you blood, bones and immune system healthy.

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide Getting Started Training Triangle 4

the TRAININGMacmillan Cancer Support 5Triathlon Guide The Training

RestTo help your body cope with the workload, rest is going to be as important a part of your training schedule as the running itself. Listen to your body and take heed of any warning signs. If you feel fatigued even before you’ve run a step, fi nd yourself thinking up excuses not to train or start suffering a series of minor injuries; you probably need more time off. Taking enough rest allows physical and mental recovery and gives your body the time to adapt to your workload.

Recovery SessionsTraining for endurance requires your body to work harder than it has ever done. To see improvement without breaking down, you’ll need some recovery sessions. These should be nice and easy and you should feel relaxed. Enjoy the scenery. You should be breathing easily and be capable of holding a conversation throughout the swim, bike or run. This will mean that you are training in the 60–70% range of your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). It also helps with the removal of the waste products which accumulate in your muscles after harder efforts.

Threshold SessionsAfter the long run, threshold sessions are probably your most valuable workouts. They are completed at a controlled brisk pace, about 80–85% of your MHR, you’ll only be capable of uttering a couple of words to your training partners. Tempo/threshold runs or bike sessions improve your lactate threshold (the speed above which your body struggles to cope with the lactic acid created by burning energy without oxygen), your economy and aerobic capacity .

Brick SessionsTransition from one activity to another – ie bike to run. Note the duration and intensity of the session, including any intervals at effort and recovery.

Interval TrainingIntervals help to boost specifi c race pace speed and involve running, swimming or biking timed efforts with a controlled recovery. The effort level is around 85–100% of MHR, depending on the duration of the event you are training for and the length and volume of intervals used. A typical example might be 6 x 3 minutes @ 5km race pace with a 90 second recovery.

Warming Up / Warm DownWhen you are going to do any faster training (such as interval training), it is important to warm up gradually. A 10-15 minute easy swim, jog or bike lets your muscles warm up and improve their range of movement.


GLoSsARYHere you will fi nd a glossary of the terms used in our training plans.

Triathlon Guide The Training Glossary 6

What the colours mean:

Anatomy of a session:

Swim800 m total.

Main set: 10 x 25 m fast with 15 secs rest.

This section gives you details of the session’s volume and effort

RunRun session.

Note the duration and intensity of the session, including any intervals at

effort and recovery.

BikeBike session.



SwimSwim session.



RestRest is critical to adaptation

and progression, you might be completing core or stretching on

these days though!

BrickBrick session.

Transition from one activity to another – ie bike to run.



Stretching using our Triathlon Guide

Core training using our Triathlon Guide

The colour shows the type of session you’ll be completing

Macmillan Cancer SupportMacmillan Cancer Support

usiNG the PlANSOur training plans are structured as follows:

Triathlon Guide The Training Using The Plans 7

SwIM TIps Macmillan Cancer Support

Warm upDon’t get in the pool and begin swimming lengths before you are warmed up. Start your session by completing a few mobility drills and then gliding or very easy swimming. This gets the blood fl owing and your body gets used to the temperature and feel of the water.

Practice your breathingAfter you’ve done some gliding, try going on your side and getting some breathing practice. Breathing is the key to a successful stroke alongside remaining relaxed.

Check the swimming poolsession timesBook and choose the best time slot for you! Many swimming pools now have allocated sessions when the lanes are sectioned off. Outside of lane sessions you could be weaving in and out of other swimming pool users which can be really frustrating!

Look after your kitYou should wash your swimming gear thoroughly after each swim to ensure that you are getting rid of the chlorine. This will help to prolong its life and also prevents hygiene issues.

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Choosing your gearChoose carefully and make sure you aren’t just buying what looks good but what is actually practical. Take advice before purchasing swim suits, any wetsuit if open water swimming and various training aids. Fins and many other pieces of kit can be great for training technique but get expert tuition on how to use them and develop your stroke.

Get a plastic box for your gearGo to any of the DIY warehouses and buy one of the plastic tubs that you use for home storage. Throwing wet gear into one after a swim is a lot more sensible than putting it into a sports bag, especially if open water training.

Wear a swimming capRegular use of a heavily chlorinated pool or swimming outdoors can affect your scalp and on occasions make it sore. Avoid this by wearing an inexpensive cap — it can make all the difference, improves hygiene and can help with speed.

De-mist your gogglesGoggles are an essential part of swimming correctly and they can mist up if they are not looked after. Get some de-misting fl uid and use regularly before a swim. Change your goggles to fi t with the light and pool conditions. This can be even more important if swimming in open water where visibility is reduced. Take advice from an expert retailer before purchase. Make sure the goggles remain comfortable and don’t move…being able to wear a pair for over an hour without issues is essential.

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide 7The Training Swim Tips 8


Think hydration and fuel This may sound obvious but many swim sessions are early morning. Snack on good carbohydrates before a longer session and be sure to have eaten well the day/evening before. Take a sports drink poolside or to the lake and sip on this throughout a longer session. Consider taking gels in swim sessions if training for long event as maintaining energy levels within the session and on event day is essential. Also focus on maintaining electrolytes to avoid cramping and further dehydration issues.

Recovery is keyTraining alongside a busy life can be tiring and there will be days when everything catches up with you. Never be frightened to drop a days training or reduce volume if fatigue has hit. Building endurance is not an exact science and its consistency over weeks and months that counts alongside you listening to your body. Focus on good sleep and always try to eat healthy meals with good snacks between to retain energy for building fi tness. Get your recovery strategy right and you will get fi tter!

Easy days and hard daysFocus on mixing the efforts levels in training each week. Try not to always swim or train at the same intensity. There should be a mix of the odd harder days balanced alongside longer easy effort days to build endurance and some lighter recovery sessions. This change in stimulus builds fi tness and true endurance avoiding excessive fatigue and overtraining.

Use cross training...it works!We defi nitely recommend working on your core muscles for strength and even seeing a PT or conditioning coach for specifi c swim /dry land training work if you are serious. Our core routine will help you build core fi tness retaining good technique for longer whilst reducing injury risk. Consider adding just a couple of 20 minute core routines a week as a mini circuit as indicated in our plans.

Consistency is key for enduranceWe know life will sometimes take over and sessions might be missed. Set a realistic training load and routine each week and then aim to stick to it if you can. 3 swim sessions a week over a few months will build greater fi tness than 6 sessions week one (as you were keen) then 1 session the week after due to exhaustion and a lack of motivation. Consistency is the biggest variable in building endurance to swim well alongside good recovery.

Find a group and consider expert tuition/coachingIf really keen to build better technique and swim with others then we suggest fi nding a good local coach or group. An experienced coach can knock huge chunks of time off your swims. If your swim event involves open water then we defi nitely advise a few sessions in open water to get used to the demands and environment. Sessions with an expert coach in this area can build confi dence and again assist with technique, safety and routine. We recommend: triathlontrainingcentre.co.uk swimfortri.co.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide 7The Training Swim Tips 9


Swim Technique TipsAim to feel a ‘surge’ forward over your hand in the water in conjunction with a well streamlined body position.

Try breathing to both sides i.e. every third stroke to help balance your stroke. It is very useful to be able to breath to both sides as you may need this if it gets choppy in open water. In the race itself, breathing every second stroke is recommended so one trick in the pool is to breathe to the left going down the pool and to the right coming back up the pool. Whilst swimming ensure you fully exhale under the water before turning your head to the side to breathe.

Kick your legs! Not necessarily for propulsion but to keep your hips and legs high in the water and improve your body position. Kick from your hip with straight legs especially as you kick up to the surface. Small effi cient kicks are the best way to achieve this.

Think about where your kick originates from; knees or hips? Try not to bend the legs as you kick up, aim to lift a straight leg up to the surface with the glutes rather than the hamstrings.

Aim for a general relaxed state and a feeling of being very comfortable in the water. Be able to exhale under the water and inhale above the water and feel very much in control of this action.

As you get fi tter aim for the ability to start ‘even splitting’ or at some point ‘negative splitting’ your longer swims. This means covering the second half of a swim faster than the fi rst.

The ability to use a central snorkel without a nose clip is a great sign that you are relaxed in the water.

The stroke should never feel so rushed that you are uncomfortable when trying to get a breath. It is not easy to relax until your technique improves allowing more time for more air.

At a more advanced level you should aim to be able to swim slow, medium and fast, yet still take a similar number of strokes per length. Speed should not mean a lot more strokes.

When swimming a steady 400m in a 25m pool, count strokes on lengths 4,8,12 and 16. When this stroke count starts to remain constant it is a good sign that the mechanics of the stroke are not tiring you out.

01 0602

07

03 08

04 09

05 10

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide The Training Swim Technique Tips 10

opEN WAteR TipsMacmillan Cancer Support

Open Water Safety, Training And Event DayIf you’re fortunate enough to have easy access to an open body of water on a regular basis, then make sure you take advantage this. Otherwise, be on the lookout for local open water swim clinics.

You can also round up a few training buddies andtake a fi eld trip to the closest swimmable body ofwater (ocean, lake, river, pond, etc.) and practice.Finally, this should be obvious, but in case it’s not – NEVER swim alone.

Get a WetsuitIf you don’t have a wetsuit, you should defi nitely invest in one. Make sure it is fi tted correctly and speak to industry retail experts for best advice on style and warmth. Not only will it keep you warm, but more importantly it will provide extra buoyancy, helping to keep you on top of the water and making it easier to swim. This can really boost confi dence. Be sure to swim in it a few times before any big event. Perhaps try a few sessions and one of your bigger swims in open water in the wetsuit.

Goggle SelectionGoggles come in in all shapes and sizes as does our weather! They also come in a variety of colours but always choose the right pair for your event and the conditions. When it comes to swimming outside, making the proper goggle selection will make a big difference to vision safety and confi dence in the water.

Selection is determined based upon the weather conditions. For example, on a cloudy or rainy day, you may choose to wear goggles with clear, light blue or yellow lenses. These options will help brighten up your surroundings and make it easier to see. On the contrary, if it’s a bright and sunny day or if you’re swimming in the morning and the sun may rise while you’re in the water, “mirrored” or “smoke” lenses are your best bet. Speak to your local retail expert for best advice on purchase.

Warm Up (10-15 minutes)We recommend you warm up before all of your training swims and race day should be no different. It is a good idea to get in the water (if permitted) prior to your wave going off or session starting to warm up. Give yourself 10 minutes to get warm. Not only will this help get your blood fl owing and prepare your body to swim; it will also give you a chance to become comfortable in the water gradually.

Walk in slowing, wade a bit, get a feel for the temperature and take a peak to see what the visibility is like under the water. This will all help give you reassurance and make you feel more confi dent of the conditions and surroundings.

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide The Training Open Water Tips 11

Macmillan Cancer Support Swimming Guide The training Open water tips

Position Yourself AppropriatelyIf you’re a stronger swimmer, position yourself nearer the front. If swimming is a new event to you, seed yourself towards the back and off to the side.

Once the gun goes off, take your time getting in and swim towards clear water. There is no reason to battle any chaos. It’s OK to swim 10-15 yards off to the side of the buoys. Don’t worry about losing a few seconds because the more comfortable you feel the better your swim will go anyway.

Start Out SlowWhen the gun goes off and adrenalin is pumping, a lot of swimmers tend to take off and start swimming way too fast for their ability. Often people don’t realise this until about 200 yards in when their heart rate is through the roof and they’re gasping for air.

So, instead of starting off like a madman and struggling to fi nish, try starting out much slower than race pace and gradually increase your speed as you start to get into a rhythm. This way, you’ll fi nish strong and have a better experience. The tortoise and the hare story is so true in all endurance sports.

Cornering BuoysAlso, it’s ok to breast stroke around the buoy, but if you don’t have to, it’s better to just keep your head down and continue swimming. This will allow you to avoid all the pushing and shoving going on right next to the turn buoy due to traffi c fl ow.

Again, don’t worry about the small bit of extra swimming you’ll do by taking a wider turn. The energy you’ll save by swimming uninterrupted will keep you feeling good and confi dent. Also, it ok to breast stroke around the buoy, but if you don’t have to, it’s better to just keep your head down and continue swimming.

Pause, Float, Breast Stroke – Take A Break!Finally, it’s not uncommon for new swimmers to become anxious while in the open water. If this happens, it’s ok. The best thing to do is pause from swimming and collect yourself for a moment. Roll onto your back and fl oat for as long as you have to and try to relax. This will help get your heart rate under control and calm you down.

Once you’re ready to start moving again, start by breast stroking. Then when you’re ready, put your head down and resume swimming.

Think Fuel And HydrationThis may sound obvious but with longer swims, especially over a mile in distance, fuel becomes a real issue along with hydration. Yes, it is defi nitely possible to dehydrate when in water!

Avoiding cramp is also key and therefore retaining your electrolyte balance becomes important. Eat a good carbohydrate focused snack or light meal an hour or two before a longer swim session or event and make sure you are hydrated before you start. Consider using sports drinks with electrolytes and energy in very long swims of 5k-10k and taking on fuel. Have mini breaks to allowing this will be key. Even consider gels to boost energy uptake along the way every 20-40 minutes.

Finally...Relax and enjoy the open water experience. The more relaxed you are the better you will swim and try to embrace the feeling of freedom. Take your time, always stay safe and fuel well.

Macmillan Cancer SupportMacmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide The Training Open Water Tips 12

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide

Bike Tips

Saddle HeightA simple method to determine a good saddle height is to work out your inseam measurement and then put the saddle at 109% of this measurement when taken from the pedal axle to the top of the saddle’s height.

PedalsIdeally you should pedal with the balls of your feet. If you are not using clip in cleats consider toe clips to help secure your foot in the correct position.

HandlebarsDo you like to ride crouched over, head down and bum up? Or perhaps upright on the saddle, nice and tall? Your choice of position affects your choice of handlebar, even your choice of bike. If you ride leaning forward placing weight on your hands, then the handlebars should be narrower than or the same width as your shoulders and the stem by which the handlebars are attached to the front forks should not be so long so as to risk pitching you over the bars when braking hard. If you plan to ride sitting upright or leaning very slightly forward then it is simply a matter of deciding where you can comfortably place your hands. There are a range of adjustable stems available to allow for these changes.

Other ConsiderationsThere are five pressure points; two hands, two feet and a bum on the saddle. Spread your load appropriately between these points. Lowering the bars shifts some weight to the hands. Pedalling a bit harder shifts some weight to the feet. Wear gloves or mitts. Wear cycling shorts with a chamois (padded underneath).

Consider a basic cycle maintenance course or view some tutorials online. Knowing how to change an inner-tube or adjust your breaks and gears should be essential knowledge for all cyclists. Pick up spare inner tubes, tyre levers, a basic multi-tool and hex key and a pump, consider also carrying a puncture repair kit.

Saddle PositionHow far forward or back your saddle is will change the pressure/angle of your knee joint. If you have small feet then push your saddle well forward, this will ease the strain on your knees.

The Training Bike Tips 13


Riding Tips Starting

Engage both brakes. Position one pedal in the 2 o’clock power

position. Put all your weight on this pedal; then

release the brakes. Stand up on the pedal and simultaneously

ease yourself back onto the saddle. Keep your grip on the handlebars firm but

relaxed so you will not wobble. As you gain speed, shift to higher gears

In motion

Use small adjustments of the handlebars and leaning your bike to correct your line.

Look up and ahead rather than staring at your front tyre.

Do not weave in and out of parked cars as you ride along. Hold your line and ride with authority – DO NOT UNDERTAKE.

Stopping

Free one foot if you use toe clips, straps or clipless pedals.

To slow, apply both brakes evenly. Your front brake actually accounts for 70% of your braking power.

As you slow, shift down a few gears to make it easier to start up again.

Just as you come to a complete stop, turn the handlebars slightly away from the side you step down. The bike will lean slightly to this side, making it easier to step down.

Step down off the seat and put one foot down. You will find that one side is more natural than the other.

As you are stopped, reposition your pedal into the power position so that you are ready to start again.

Descending

Be sensible about the speed at which you can remain safe and in control.

Avoid sharp braking – stay smooth, relaxed and anticipate what is ahead. Keep your centre of mass low on the bike

and don’t lean your body into the corners – the bike leans a little, not you.

Be aware cars will come at you around corners. NEVER sacrifice safety for speed – take blind corners slowly. Slow in advance of corners, not half way around.

GO

Triathlon Guide The Training Riding Tips 14

Scan & signal

Relax or remove the hand on the side you are scanning to avoid turning the handlebars as you scan.

Slightly tighten your grip on the other hand for balance and control.

Briefly turn your head to look over your shoulder to scan behind you. You may need to do this a few times.

Let others know what you plan to do before you do it. Hand signals are a vital communication tool. Always signal your intent when turning, changing lanes and changing position within the lane. Make your signals definite, bold and clear.

Group riding Riding in a group or close to other cyclists brings unique dangers but also advantages. We would strongly suggest looking at joining a local cycling club or group to experience good group riding etiquette and safety. Here are just some of the basics;

Stay consistent and smooth – try to avoid making dramatic movements or sudden changes in course.

Communicate clearly both verbally and visually with hand signals.

Look forward and maintain your focus on what is coming up, without getting too distracted by other riders around you. If you notice a danger such as a pothole or a car, communicate this to others in the group.

Share the lead – don’t just sit in draft for miles on end – take your turn at the front of the group.

Final tips

Consider joining British Triathlon and British Cycling and getting insured.

Make yourself seen with high visibility clothing.

Always wear a helmet and gloves. Practise using cleated shoes before you

head onto the open roads. Consider a local cycle proficiency group or

training. Read the highway code and understand

your position related to pedestrians, other cyclists and motorists.

Never cycle through red lights or on pavements where their use is solely for pedestrians.

Avoid undertaking and always be aware that lorries, buses and many cars have a huge blind spot when turning, particularly turning left.

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide The Training Riding Tips 15

RuNNingGood running posture is very important in helping you to maintain good form for the whole run and therefore adding to efficient running style, preventing injury and aiding good breathing.

tIpsCarry out the perfect posture test (see opposite).

Think about your ‘form’ whilst you run.

Try to be upright and tall.

Feel as though you’re falling forward into every stride.

Practice perfect posture in every day situations to ensure your muscles don’t tighten up.

You can all check your posture and get an idea of a good running form by doing the following exercise which DOESN’T involve going for a run!

Stand with your feet hip width apart. Imagine there is a piece of string pulling you through the centre, right through the top of your head and towards the sky. This will create your ‘running tall’ posture, a feeling of your upper body being lifted up and out of your hips. At this point your shoulders may have risen, so relax your shoulders by rolling them back and down making sure there is no tension through the shoulders and neck. Without lifting your heels lean forwards ever so slightly, your whole body should lean from the ankles, not just the top half, this is a very small movement but should give you a slight feeling of falling forwards. You certainly shouldn’t be leaning so far forwards that you look like you are about to fall over!

It is important to remember at this point that your leg speed is determined by your arm speed. In your ‘perfect posture check’ position begin to swing your arms as if you are running. Remember to drive the hands forwards and the elbows backwards with thumb lightly resting on forefinger.

If you imagine you are wearing a running jacket with a zip down the middle, your hands should not be crossing the line of that zip. This will limit lateral (side to side) movement – running is a linear (straight forwards) sport so we want all of our energy going forwards towards that finish line! At this point whilst you drive you arms (remember that slight forward lean) you should feel as though your legs want to start running.

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide The Training Riding Tips 16

InJUrY


stRonG &

fREe

Triathlon Guide Strong & Injury Free 17

Here are some tips for the stretches in this section:

Stretch both legs and repeat 2-3 times if certain muscle groups seem particularly tight

Hold stretch for 40-45 seconds each time and complete them after your runs.

Never stretch cold muscles.

A good stretching routine will help to restore the muscle balance and allow you to be more flexible

Consider investing in an ‘MOT’ with a sport physiotherapist or some sports massage which can help manage the build up in tightness that will occur in your training

A ‘foam roller’ can be used to supplement your stretching on a day to day basis to carry out self massage.

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide Strong & Injury Free Running Stretching Tips

stretching TIps18


keY sTREtChESGlutesSit with one leg out straight. Cross the other leg over, keeping knee bent. To feel stretch in backside hug bent knee into chest. Keep back straight.

Hamstring (origin)Lay on back. Pull one leg up to chest and hug with both arms. Keep one leg straight on fl oor keeping ankle fl exed.

Hamstring (belly)Lay on back. Keep one leg on the ground. Raise other leg holding the back of the calf. Bring up to feel the stretch in the middle of the hamstring.

Lower backLay on back. Bring one leg up to chest and rotate to lower knee to fl oor using opposite arm as a weight. Keep one leg straight and both shoulders on fl oor. Other arm should be straight out at shoulder level.

QuadsGrasp the top of the ankle with the same side hand and bring heel to backside. Hips should be pushed forward.

Hip fl exorsKneel on one with a 90 degree angle at both knees. Push hips down and forwards until a stretch is felt at the front of the hip.

Calf (gastrocnemius)Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Take one foot forward and keep feet parallel. Maintain the arch in the forward foot by pressing down with the toes to stop foot rolling in. Straighten back leg and feel stretch in top area of the calf

Calf (soleus)Repeat position of the gastrocnemius stretch but this time bend back leg to take stretch into lower calf above Achilles.

Triathlon Guide Strong & Injury Free Running Key Stretches 19


coNDitIoNiNGFinger crusherGet into a sit-up position. Find the natural arch in your back and place your hands under the arch. Engage your lower abs and pelvic fl oor and push your spine down onto your hands, trying to crush your fi ngers into the ground. Hold this for 45-60 seconds per set.

The next level: Do small alternate leg lifts, while still keeping even pressure on your hands or extending in to ‘bicycle’ movement in and out with your legs.

BridgeForm a sit up position raise your hips up so your body forms a straight line from shoulder to hips to knees. Hold this position for 45-60 seconds by squeezing your glutes and your lower abdominal muscles.

The next level: Form a ‘bridge’ position straighten one leg at a time aiming to not let your hips ‘sag’ as you do so.

Single leg squatStand on one leg, engage your glute on your standing leg, keep your hips facing forward and aligned with your knee and toe. Send your hips backwards whilst bending at the knee. You don’t want your knee to roll inwards, so go down as far as you can without that happening before moving back to a tall standing position. Repeat 8-15 times.

The next level: You can use a Swiss ball or use a ‘wobble board’ under your foot.

Back extensionFrom a prone position with your toes on the ground and fi ngers on temples raise your chest off the ground by engaging your lower back muscles. After a few seconds relax back to the ground and repeat for 45-60 seconds.

The next level: Extending your arms out in front of you will add a greater lever angle and make this exercise more challenging.

PlankLift your body up with your weight on your elbows and toes. Keep a straight line from the neck down through the legs to your ankles, engage all your core muscles by sucking your belly button up to the ceiling. Keep your chest over your elbows. Hold for 30-60 secs.

The next level: Add in small alternate leg lifts. If this is too hard to begin with, you can avoid lower back pain by doing this with your knees on the ground.

Side plankMake a right angle with your supporting arm, your feet together and your stomach strong. Rise up, making sure you squeeze your glutes and push your pelvis through. Hold it for 30-60 seconds.

The next level: Lift your free arm into the air, keep your side really strong, and don’t let your middle sag.

Triathlon Guide Strong & Injury Free Running Conditioning 20

adAPTAtIoNMacmillan Cancer Support

enERGY, vItALIty & Triathlon Guide Energy, Vitality & Adaptation 21

Monitor Your Health As you increase your training your body and your energy demands will change. Your diet will need to change and adapt with this. Become good at monitoring your energy levels and notice any sustained increase in fatigue or tiredness over several days. Keep a training diary and note down those sessions that felt fantastic, what you ate and drank so you can repeat this in the future!

nutritIoN

Balance The TriangleNutrition is one of key elements of our training triangle. Without getting the basics right you will struggle to have the energy to train well or the nutrients to heal and adapt to the training you have completed. It’s a huge area with ever developing science and research so here we cover just the basic tips to keep you performing strongly!

Protein Rich, Carbohydrate CleverCarbohydrate is critical to fuelling your training effectively. Take on high quality, ‘slow release’ complex carbohydrates including plenty of oatcakes, sweet potatoes and whole grains. Protein provides the essential nutrients you need to heal damaged muscle fi bres and tissues from lean meats, fi sh, nuts, sprouting seeds and tofu.

HydrationAim to drink 2-3 litres of fl uid a day, sipping regularly on water or even water with electrolyte tablets (e.g. High5 Zero). Avoid drinking caffeine with your main meals as this can limit some of your nutrient absorption, and late at night which will impact on your sleep. As your peak weeks of training kick in you may wish to monitor alcohol consumption which can have a big impact on your recovery.

Never Hungry, Never OverfullSplit those big main meals into 5-6 smaller meals, with mid morning and mid-afternoon snacks to ensure blood sugar levels are balanced.

Micro-NutrientsVitamins and minerals will deplete more quickly as you train harder so your demands will go up. Iron, vitamin D, B12, C, magnesium and calcium are just some of the basic ones to be aware of. Increase your nutrient density by eating as broad a range of foods as you can, plenty of variety in your fruit and vegetables is a great place to start!

Depleted SessionsIn some of our plans you may see the occasional session where we ask you to go out ‘pre breakfast’ at an easy effort. The goal here is to encourage your body to become very effective at metabolising stored fats as an energy source. On these days ensure you eat a high quality breakfast with carbohydrate and protein shortly after the session.

Fuelling Your Training SessionsYou will need to practice taking on fuel in your training sessions if you intend to do so in the race. If you are competing for a long period of time we highly recommend using gels. Aim to take on a gel after 45-60 minutes and then one every 30-40 minutes after. Take the top off and sip it slowly in order to control intestinal discomfort.

Get To BedSleep is vital to adapting to training and getting fi tter. Regularly getting 4, 5 or 6 hours sleep a night will limit your ability to achieve deep sleep, release growth hormones and will affect cortisol and stress levels.Get into a good pattern at night, avoid digital screens in the fi nal hour before bed and limit caffeine and alcohol late at night.

Ignore The MythsThere are a lot of myths and scare stories out there surrounding nutrition. No athlete should ever look to eliminate whole food groups unless recommended to do so by a qualifi ed dietician, nutritionist or doctor. Avoid the advice of unqualifi ed bloggers and if you want to explore your own nutrition in depth, seek a fully qualifi ed professional.

Avoid The Terrible ToosBuilding your training up too fast, too soon and doing too much training too hard is a sure fi re way to pick up niggles and gradually lose the motivation to get up and train. Stick to the plan, be patient and don’t panic or back fi ll training if you have started late or had some time off.

Know When To Back OffIf you are regularly tired no matter how much sleep you are getting, feel your nutrition is good but still lack energy, are struggling to improve or even going backwards despite doing more and start to lose motivation to get out and train, you might be over training. Listen to your body and be prepared to back off and take an extra rest day and adapt your plan if needed. Consistency is vital!

and RecoveRy

Macmillan Cancer Support Triathlon Guide Energy, Vitality & Adaptation 22Nutrition And Recovery

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017),Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

Macmillan.org.uk

ContactWe’re here for youFor support, information or if you just want to chat,call us free on 0300 100 0200 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm),email [email protected] visit macmillan.org.uk

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